Significance of Youm e Takbeer:
Youm-e-Takbeer that implies “The Day of Greatness” replenishes new energy in the already soaring spirits of a nation which is not effortlessly persuaded by the perpetually present danger of war in its vicinity. The legacy of acquiring nuclear capability in the contemporary world for deterrence as well as for exclusively peaceful uses requires dedication, nationalism, and a sheer sense of responsibility on the part of the leadership of Pakistan. May 28, 1998, enhanced defence capabilities of the country and aimed to bring regional stability with a resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty with unity.
28th May, 1998:
The day is considered an achievement as Pakistan became the world’s seventh nuclear nation and the first Muslim state to have a nuclear arsenal in its defensive stockpile. With India testing its nuclear weapons for the first time in 1974, Pakistan felt the urgency of its cause and went forward with fresh vigor and zeal, thus with “Allah-O-Akbar” echoing in the background, Pakistan too conducted the test on 28th May 1998 in the RasKoh Hills in the Chaghai District of Balochistan. The nuclear weapon state can be attributed to historical statements of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, when he said that “even if we eat grass we would turn the country into a nuclear weapon state.”
The Dual Legacy of Nuclear Development:
The transformation of Pakistan into a nuclear power can be marked on the map of history as both the pathway to protection and the course of development. Youm-E-Takbir, the day when Pakistan first conducted nuclear tests, is also quite significant as a reminder of the long nuclear development in Pakistan. It symbolizes success not only in attaining the goal of strategic deterrence but also in demonstrating Pakistan’s peaceful nuclear utility in the socio-economic uplift of the country. Although the primary focus regarding the possession of nuclear technology is always concerned with issues related to security and defence, the peaceful uses of this technology have also greatly benefited Pakistan in the spheres of medical science, agriculture, and energy production. This dual legacy contributes to demonstrating the fact that nuclear technology has influenced Pakistan’s modern development in diverse ways.
On that day the Pakistani leadership, despite pressures from the international community and India’s hegemonistic tendency to upset nuclear parity through nuclear tests, opted for heroism in 1998. It conducted nuclear tests to counterbalance hegemony in South Asia. When such a tactical and sagacious response by Pakistan was witnessed on May 28, 1998, it became the ‘red letter day’ of the country’s history that paved the way to suppress the belligerent junta of its neighborhood, which was edgy with ill-conceived expansionist motives. This, nevertheless, was realized with very many complications such as severe sanctions from the United States and the rest of the Western world. Nevertheless, the complexities of regional dynamics and threats, have been effectively managed due to possessing nuclear capability that acts as a buffer against conventional as well as nuclear threats from India, to maintain the balance of power in South Asia. The concept of deterrence theory plays a pivotal role as the mutual fear of retaliatory strikes limits both countries from full-scaled war even with numerous conflicts such as Kargil, Twin Peak attack on Delhi Parliament, Mumbai attacks, and even the Balakot-Pulwama incident.
Use for deterrence and peaceful pruposes:
International non-proliferation efforts, as can be seen through Pakistan’s support for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and unilateral bilateral test freeze since 1998 demonstrate its dedication to the safety of nuclear weapons worldwide. The fact that Pakistan has joined various international organizations including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also strengthens its stand on the matter of using nuclear technology for peaceful purposes while India on the other hand, being the largest importer of arms in the world, developed a wide range of nuclear arms.
Whether it be from training and educational seminars, sharing of best practices, or through the technical assistance received and recommended by the IAEA, Pakistan has improved the overall safety and security of its nuclear program to be at par with global standards. Pakistan is a partner in international efforts to enhance the system of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction taking into account the principles of nondiscrimination and equal security for all states. It complies with the latest set of non-proliferation and export control norms and also has the highest standards in nuclear safety and security.
Use for Civilian Purposes:
Apart from its military purposes Pakistan has adopted nuclear technology for civil applications such as generating power, treating diseases, and in agriculture. Nuclear power is generated through the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant and Chashma Nuclear Power Plant and has also significantly made its effect on the energy sector of Pakistan minimizing the use of fossil fuels and contributing to sustainable growth. Under the 2050 Nuclear Energy Vision, Pakistan aims to reach 40,000 MW nuclear power generation capacity to fulfil the energy requirement of the state.
In the agricultural field, nuclear techniques are used in soil fertility mapping, pest control, food preservation, and other uses. These applications improve farming and hence food production thus adequately solving some of the key problems by developing disease resistant and high yielding crops of cotton, rice, and wheat. In health sector, nuclear technology adopted in cancer treatment, in diagnosis of diseases through radiography is very important in the healthcare delivery system and a very effective tool that has enhanced the health of many people in Pakistan treating over 800,000 patients annually in the 19 nuclear medicine centers of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).
The Pakistani experience shows that nuclear technology has both security and civilian uses and that nuclear weapons are the two faces of the same coin. As Pakistan goes through further challenges and responsibilities of being a nuclear weapon state, its policy of using this technology for the development of peaceful purposes is essential. This makes advancement in nuclear technology achieve the goal that will help the country secure its security and also build a profitable future for society and human being in general.
By: Alina Fayaz is a student of International Relations in BIC Islamabad, pursuing her degree alongside working as a writer, research, and analyst at certain platforms.
